Questionmy plant seems to be withering from the bottom up, the top is perky and pretty but the bottom half seem as if it is dying. I got it as a gift in April it is in the same pot from nursery using a tape measure the pot is 27 inches round and 8 inches deep. I sure hope I can save it the light is pretty good it is at my back door wish has a window so I keep the blinds open at all times when it is really sunny and hot I turn the blinds so it is not directly shinning on it
AnswerHi Faye,
I assume your plant is a Schefflera arboricola. Let me know if I am wrong.
It sounds like your plant is acclimating to its new environment. In a nursery it has ideal conditions that allows it to maximize the number of leaves it can maintain. Even in a moderately bright location in your home, the conditions are less than ideal. The plant responds by shedding some of its older, lower leaves so it can continue to grow new leaves on top. I suspect that is what is happening with yours.
If your plant does not get enough light or is watered improperly, then that will cause it to lose even more leaves than normal.
Do not repot your Schefflera. Water it as soon as the top inch of soil feels dry. Stems that get tall and leggy can be pruned back about halfway. New growth will then emerge on the stems just below the pruning cut.
I have written articles on Schefflera care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at
[email protected].
Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com
